Multi-Step Equations With Brackets

Inside the case file

Distributive property equation activities, solving multi-step equations with brackets worksheets, and variables-on-both-sides practice for 7th grade, 8th grade, 9th grade, and 10th grade are all included in this zombie Mini Mystery Detective pack of math worksheets. Students expand the brackets, solve for x, match each solution to a suspect, and cross names off until only the culprit is left standing across five detective cases — perfect for math centers, morning work, early finishers, homework, substitute and relief days, spiral review, and test prep. Completely no prep — just print and go.

What's Inside

• Using the distributive property to expand brackets before solving: 6(x+12)=8(x+2), 5(x-10)=7x-74
• Equations with brackets on both sides of the equals sign, and with a bracket on one side only
• Expanding brackets that carry a coefficient inside them, such as 2(4x-9)=7x-24
• Collecting like terms and moving variable terms from one side of the equation to the other
• Isolating the variable using inverse operations, then checking the solution by substituting it back in
• Working confidently with positive and negative integer solutions, so students meet negative answers as well as tidy ones
• Logical reasoning and deductive elimination as students rule suspects out clue by clue
• Self-checking answer keys for every case, marked in red for fast grading

Five zombie cases to crack: Patient Zero, The Broken Barricade, The Stranded Survivors, The Hidden Bite, and The Empty Grave. Answer keys included for every case.

What is a Mini Mystery Detective?

A no-prep detective activity where students solve math problems to cross off suspects and unmask the culprit — like an escape room without the locks. Every solution matches one suspect's ID number, so each correct answer eliminates one name and a wrong answer leaves the case unsolved. Skill practice plus critical thinking in one engaging, self-checking worksheet set.

When to Use This Resource

• Math centers and station rotations
• Morning work and bell-ringer warm-ups
• Early finishers and extension work
• Substitute, relief and emergency sub plans
• Homework and take-home practice
• Spiral review and end-of-unit revision
• Small-group intervention and re-teaching
• Test prep and exam revision
• Halloween, October and indoor-recess activities

Grade Levels

Designed for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th graders. Also beneficial for struggling high school students who need extra practice expanding brackets and solving equations, and for advanced 6th graders ready for a challenge.

Why Teachers Love Mystery Detectives

• Zero prep — print and teach, no cutting, laminating or setup
• Self-checking, so students get instant feedback and stay motivated
• The detective hook pulls in reluctant and struggling learners
• Builds real algebra skill alongside critical thinking and reasoning
• Five separate one-page cases make it easy to differentiate or stretch across a week
• Works for the whole class, small groups or independent practice

Looking for the same detective format without brackets? Try Multi-Step Equations with Variables on Both Sides No Brackets Mystery Detective — the perfect lead-in to this pack.

Follow Kiwiland Education for more algebra Mystery Detectives, including one-step equations, two-step and multi-step inequalities, systems of linear equations, and solving quadratics by factoring.

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